Government chartered flight from Middle East delayed until tomorow, McEntee confirms

Helen McEntee

A Government charter flight due to take 180 Irish citizens from Oman to Dublin has been delayed to Saturday afternoon due to “operational” difficulties, the foreign affairs minister has said.

Helen McEntee confirmed the flight would not take off on Friday, with citizens who had travelled between the UAE and Oman to be provided with hotel accommodation overnight.

“Due to the highly challenging operational context for aviation in the region, the departure planned for this evening is now due to depart for Dublin on Saturday afternoon,” Ms McEntee confirmed.

She said the Government is aware of Irish citizens in other countries in the Middle East, like Qatar and Kuwait, who wish to leave.

“We are in direct contact with many of these citizens to explain what options may become available,” Ms McEntee said.

She said there is an “intensive consular support operation” ongoing for citizens stuck in the Gulf.

Ms McEntee urged those in the region who wish to leave to use commercial flights where available, citing a third daily flight between Dubai and Dublin due to land on Friday evening.

“I am also aware that some citizens have been stranded in other parts of the world due to flight cancellations in the Gulf. We would encourage these citizens to make direct contact with their airlines or travel agents with regard to identifying alternative routes and to make contact with our Consular Crisis Centre where our staff can assist in emergency circumstances,” she added.